Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences

Do you think you’re good at cheating? Using force output at different joint angles to differentiate between maximal and submaximal efforts during strength assessment

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Cheating is a major problem in elite sport, this extends to the classification of Paralympic athletes where some individuals may attempt to gain a competitive advantage by feigning weakness during tests of strength.

This study is looking at whether measuring upper body isometric strength at different elbow angles is able to correctly differentiate between maximal and submaximal attempts. If proven to be successful this measure may be applied practically in Paralympic classification

You will be required to visit the lab on 2 occasions (4-10 days apart at the same time of day). During these visits you will be required to push on a force plate at different elbow angles, in the first visit you will be required to push maximally and in the second visit you will need to push submaximally whilst trying to convince a researcher that you are still giving a maximal effort.

You'll receive:

  • Maximal strength scores

Eligibility:

  • Males and females
  • Aged 18–35
  • No current upper body injury or impairment (Injuries must be symptom free for a minimum of 6 months)

Register your interest:

Email Emily Paix

e.paix@uq.edu.au

This study has been approved by The University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee [Approval No. 2018000438]